We began swim lessons at Emler when our older son had just turned three. At the time, we had a pool in our backyard and having him learn how to swim was incredibly important for safety. We have been taking lessons continuously now for almost two-and-a-half years, and our older boy is doing a backstroke and learning the right breath control for the crawl! Our younger son began at 18 months and has been learning now for a year and a half, and has become very comfortable in the water. Both of them understand respect for the water and have mastered the safety drill of jump/turn/reach for the wall, and I know that what they've learned at Emler will help keep them safe in the water. The instructors at Emler are just amazing! Session after session, we have been with teachers who teach the basics, sure, but who also understand the fears and hesitations of little ones and the changing moods from lesson to lesson and are unfailingly patient and kind. This contributes greatly to the child's comfort level and helps them learn and grow. I have to single out Michelle for younger ones (she has been terrific with our three-year-old this session!), and Tiffany for anyone (she has taught both boys, and what impresses me most is her grasp of the different needs and skills of EVERY child in her classes, and how she gives each of them exactly the sense of safety and security they need to be comfortable enough to learn). Finally, I also have to give kudos to the administrative team. The deck managers and desk staff have been unfailingly helpful as we have navigated the schedules and needs of two children of different ages and abilities. Not to mention how pleasant they always are! Anyway. Emler is an investment well worth making. We are signed up already for spring and will continue on from there. We swim Emler, for all the reasons. read more

My daughters have had a great experience at Emler Swim School! After the first week of lessons, one of my daughters was confident enough to jump off of the high dive into 12 foot deep water at our local neighborhood pool and she did an amazing job. The staff is also amazing. They are kind and responsive to all of our cares! I will continue to bring my daughters here as they advance to the next level! read more

My son attended swim lessons at Emler during the summer, in the water babies class (he is 2.5 years old). We had a wonderful time! Mrs. Michelle was professional, approachable, and competent. My son looked forward to going every week, and I think the things he learned were beneficial. He didn't learn "to swim" but he did get lots of time in the water, learned how to pull himself out of the pool using the pool's edge, and learned how to hold his breath under water for a few seconds. The staff are really sweet and I watched them work with very scared-of-the-water children with a lot of patience and kindness. We plan for him to continue lessons next year perhaps, when he can be in the older class, and during the summer when he doesn't have preschool. Highly recommended! read more

Emler at Anderson Mill is AMAZING!!!! We have been swimming here for a year and I truly cannot say enough positive things about Darcy and the teachers. One of my daughters (age 7) was/is somewhat hard to work with. She does not trust anyone, had a semi fear of water, would not do what was asked of her...everything had to be on her own time and by her rules. Pretty tough to put on people, right? Whether it was hard for them or not, they all worked so beautifully with her with a smile on their face. On our first day, she was so distrusting of her teacher that I walked out of the swim area in tears. Darcy approached me and helped me through it; reassuring me that it would all work out. This would go on to happen several more times. We all learned how to reach my daughter together. We saw her patterns, identified them, and worked to make her feel successful as well as pushing her at the right times. One thing they did was get her in the water alone and allow her time to get over her fear so class could go smoothly. Sometimes another teacher would pull her from class, give her the space to practice the technique in her own way, and work to build her confidence. There were several times I wanted to pull her from lessons due to how distrusting she was, but I was always told no...it was something that could be conquered. With the help of Darcy and several teachers working with my daughter, a year later, she is able to swim independently. Her progress is unbelievable. I had her in swim lessons for 3 years prior to moving her to Emler. In those three years she didn't make half the progress she made in the one year at Emler!!! At Emler they teach "Jump. Turn. Swim." They practice this with clothes on and just in swimsuits. They practice this a lot. I love that they teach this so much and so often. I never thought my kids would need it, however, this summer it saved my little girls (age 4) life several times. While at a birthday party, she went to the deep end with her dad. I was watching from the far end of the pool. He turned his head to talk with another parent and she jumped in the water. I was running to her when I saw her starting to jump. By the time I got to her she had already "jumped, turned, and swam" to the edge with a big smile on her face. Whew! While at a water park she did this twice while my head was turned talking to my friend. Never did I think we would need this, but it has saved my little one's life. This skill also helped my big kiddo gain confidence in jumping off a diving board. The people at Emler are amazing. On top of their excellent teaching, it is evident there is a family culture here. They have fun, do fun things together, they are silly, they meet kids where they are (in and out of the water), and they help parents with their fears and hesitations. Trust them. They are amazing. You will love it here. Both of my girls swim like little fish and yours can too! :) read more

This crew deserves a huge shout out! My 3 year old son has had a rough time transitioning into a new class and a being independent in the pool. (Think meltown/screaming!) I was ready to just take him home and never come back! Then came Darcy to the rescue. She worked with him one-on-one through his fears and quickly learned what his personality needs to have fun in the water and what teacher would be a good fit. She made a disaster situation into an awesome experience. We had our class tonight with Kiera (who I could tell right away is fantastic!) Darcy was there from the beginning to make sure my little one was comfortable with his new instructor. Kudos to you guys for your patience and experience! read more

I've been taking my kids for swim lessons at Emler for a couple semesters now (about 8 months). Great experience so far. My kids have gained so much confidence in the water since starting at Emler, which is a huge relief as they used to hate getting in the pool. The kids now look forward to their swim classes every week! I wanted to highlight a particularly good experience I had a few weeks ago with the front-desk staff and the swim instructors. We missed almost all of my daughter's class due to bad traffic, but the Emler folks found a spot in a comparable class that had an absence that day and let my daughter join in. That saved us a trip back for a make-up lesson, as well as the make-up lesson fee. (My Emler location offers drop-in make-up lessons a few times a week for $5/child). I really appreciated Emler's willingness and ability to accommodate us. The make-up lessons Emler offers are a nice back-up option in a pinch, but I've felt like my kids just don't get as much out of them as with the regularly programmed classes. Granted, it's hard to keep track of all the differences in classes as your kids progress through them (e.g., Waterbabies, Super Waterbabies, Extreme Waterbabies), but the make-up lessons seem to cover less ground than what might have otherwise been covered in a given week. That's probably somewhat unavoidable since the make-up classes are open to kids at various levels. But my kids still really like the routine of going to their lessons every week, so the make-ups are still definitely worthwhile for us. read more

Description TBD..in short great methodology.. fun, caring teachers and friendly, easy to work with staff

Lexi does a great job! My child went from fearing the water to joyously looking forward to swim class every week.

Emler has been amazing to work with! The staff is so friendly and sweet. They truly care about teaching kids and how to safely navigate in the water. I recommend this swim school and this company to anyone looking for swimming lessons for their kids. read more

We've been with Emler, off and on, for the last 4 years. My son is not what you would call a natural in the water. Through plenty of challenges and us being maybe... difficult... parents, Emler's staff has been 100% helpful, responsive, thoughtful, caring, and simply ON IT when it comes to getting him to a point of being able to swim. It has been hard to see other kids get to independent swimming much faster than him, but Emler has really helped us by trying different classes, different teachers, even private lessons for a time. Recently, he (my 5 year old) was put in Miss Claire's class, and after 3 weeks (that's it) - he SWIMS. No kidding. 4 years of clinging to teachers and goofing off, and all the sudden he swims, horizontally in the water, using his arms in a freestyle stroke. 3 weeks with Miss Claire. I pretty much cried last Saturday. Maybe it's the age for it all to click, but I credit Claire with a miracle. I highly recommend Emler and especially this location (and Claire). read more

We've had a wonderful experience with all of the teachers and staff at Emler-Anderson Mill. Our two kids have worked with Claire, Michelle, Lexi, and Kalie over several years. Every teacher is dedicated, compassionate, patient, and clearly loves what they do! Darcy does an excellent job of running the operation. You just feel the excellent customer service and positivity as soon as you enter the door. read more

Mrs. Michelle is my son's instructor. She is absolutely AWESOME! My son has been her student for over 1 1/2 years. He is 2 1/1 years old. Mrs. Michelle is like family. The whole staff feels like extended family because of their personalities and familiarity with our family. My son has such a blast going to Emler and, of course, he is learning a valuable tool in becoming aquatic. read more

Both my kids have taken swim lessons at Emler for a couple years, ranging in age from 1 year to 6 years old at the time of lessons. We have had an amazing experience and highly recommend this swim school! My kids love going to their lessons. The staff is super nice and helpful - both in person and over email. All their teachers have been incredible. In addition to showing you something they are working on every week, they call to check in once a semester. Awesome teachers include Shea, Amber, Sophia, Eric, Harini, among others. During class, there is always a deck manager walking around the pool. One day, my daughter didn't want to get in the pool with a substitute teacher (ah, the joys of 3 year olds), and the deck manager jumped into the pool and got her all acclimated and she had an awesome lesson. Can't say enough good things about Emler! read more

Though we live in central Austin, we make the trip to Anderson Mill because we appreciate the sheer number of class options that Emler offers. More importantly, the staff is fantastic. Ms. Kalie the current aquatic director was previous a teacher for my now 3.5 year old and was the best teacher we have had. Now, if our sons have to take a make-up class with an instructor who is not their normal teacher, Ms. Kalie gives them the comfort, even if she has to hop in the water herself. Her and the other Director, Kiera, have gone out of their way to make things flexible and easy - which is so critical for busy parents. Even the front desk staff and the staff that we reach by phone, are so helpful, every time we reach out. We highly recommend Emler on Andersen Mill for the wonderful staff and the flexibility and ease they create for busy families. read more

My son started here as a baby and then we moved him to another school. We should have kept him at Emler. Fast forward 2 years and I can tell he is a little behind. The instructors are great and patient with the kiddos. More importantly, the staff is accommodating. For example, i wanted a smaller class size, 4 per class is the limit, and their front desk attendee helped me find a class with only 1 kid in it, making my son the second one. To me that is important. The space is big, clean, and comfortable for the little ones. Can't recommend this place enough. read more

I have been with Emler School since August 2020. I have never walked in and not been greeted and if Darcy was not at the desk she would make her rounds to say hello. From the moment we enter to the time we leave I have the BEST 30 mins. When I first found out it was only 30 mins I thought it was so quick but they actually learn a lot in that amount of time. Kallie the deck manager is incredible with her information and communication with parents. She always helpful. And my son(4 yo) instructor Ms. Claudia that woman is God gift to children! She is so attentive to each child and just has so much patience with the children! If I can move him up to all her classes I will. Thank you Emler for all you do especially during COVID! read more

My son has been a Emler swimmer since 6 months of age. He will soon be 3 in November this year (2017), and I mean it when I say best investment I've ever made. Elmer is amazing and they are very understanding and kind. I have never had a problem with their staff, everyone is always nice and always ready to help. I plan on continuing our swim lessons with Emler swim school for a few more years! read more

I absolutely love swim lessons. My daughter is in the water babies class and I could not be more happy. Ms. Kailee is amazing and is so patient with my two year old. My daughter never wants to leave swim lessons and asks everyday when we are going back to the big pool. read more

Love the time and care they take with my little one. They're truly building a love of the water in her, along with how to stay safe.

Such a great 1st experience!! We took our 4 month old today and we couldn't have asked for a better experience! Great, super attentive, and friendly staff! Facility was extremely clean and the water was warm! A++ experience!! read more

My son had a big fear of water when he joined the class. He wouldn't even wet his face in the shower. But over the days, the teachers (Miss Sydney and Miss Darcy) worked real hard to get him comfortable with water and he totally got over his fear. Thanks to them, I had a memorable moment of seeing my son put his face under water for the first time and swim. Truly appreciate the teachers for their patience and commitment. We will be back for the next season to continue his classes. read more

My son's been going here since he was 3 months old. Our coach (Mr. Alex) is great. We did a free trial at another swim school to compare recently, but it wasn't as good as Emler. read more

I have been meaning to submit a review for quite some time now. This place is amazing. The talent of the teachers and staff here is unparalleled. They never cease to impress me and we have been swimming with Emler -Anderson Mills since my son was 5 months old and he is now nearly 4. We will continue him in lessons until he is too old to go! LOL I love the energy we get from the staff when we enter and leave the school. Their professionalism, dedication, and passion for teaching children are apparent session after session. Simply put, they love their child students and are incredibly supportive of the parents! I can rave on and on. This swim school is the BEST! Meena read more

Emler swim school has done wonders for my toddler's swimming skills and confidence! We love the teachers, the fun make-believe stories and songs they use to make swimming fun, and the safety skills they teach. I taught swimming lessons as a high school and college student, and even I must admit the training and curriculum Emler uses is above and beyond anything you're going to get with any "summer swim lessons." When it comes to pool safety and how many kids drown every year, this is the most important money we could spend right now. read more

I can't say enough about Elmer swim school! I have looked into many swim schools for my girls (age 5 and 2), and none come close to Elmer! The teachers are sooooo patient and loving my girls have had quite few! They are all GREAT! The staff will do anything to help you! They make us feel so welcomed! Highly recommend Elmer!!!! read more

Excellent swim classes! My only tiny complaint is how crowded the pool is on Saturdays..

Great Swim School. Mr. Eric is the best teacher.. Both our kids have learned how to swim from him. All the teachers are good and the facility is nice and clean as well. We have reccommended our friends to Emler for their kids to learn as well. read more

We've been going to Emler continuously since my son was 1.5yrs old and he's now 4. Emler has always been supportive and felt like a partner in teaching our son to swim, and also be safe in the water. Their focus on water safety is a unique aspect of their program. The instructions have always been kind, patient, knowledgeable and caring. Hazelyn is our current coach and she is excellent. She is skilled in teaching swim, sweet to the kids and holds them accountable for paying attention in class. The staff is helpful and friendly too. Lisa Collier has been accommodating in helping us to find the right class and flexible in finding a payment schedule that works for us. The whole team works hard to make sure you are satisfied and come back season after season. The one suggestion for Emler would be to limit the class size to 3 kids. Right now it's 4 and that is a tight fit in the space provided on the deck and in the lane and it means the kids get less than 10min of swim ea in the 30min session. Hazelyn makes the most of it, but it'd feel like we'd get more for our money if there were 3 kids in class. read more

My 6 month old son is currently enrolled in bath time babies with Michelle and we absolutely love it. The teachers are super patient and caring with my little guy. We will definitely continue to take lessons here. read more

We love Emler. We haven't had a teacher we didn't love (but Jaci's our fave). We started our daughter at 6 months and she loves the water, can control her breath under water and get out of the side of the pool on her own at 18 months. read more

Love them! Super friendly and helpful. The instructors are great with the kids and the staff really helps to accommodate and puts us first. I have them 4 stars because they are pricey. read more

They do a very good job here keeping things organized and streamline. The lessons are structured and instructor is nice. They did have a sub once and she scared my kid but we understand sometimes you need a fill in. We like that it's salt water and is very warm. Only negative is the pools are rather small and no showers, only a rinse shower. read more

Aweful costumer service, incompetent people answering phones and leaving callers on hold for unnecessary periods of time..not convinced of the safety quality, all over disappointed in my experience.. good luck to others that take the chance!! read more

Both of my kiddos have been going to Emler 183 location since last summer. The instructors and deck managers are pretty amazing. My little boy is very lucky to have Karina for instructor for two semesters. She is extremely nurturing. She sings songs, using toys to get the kiddos attention, making the class a ton of fun. My little girl loves Roger. She learned quite a bit from him last fall. A deck manager named Kaley is full of love. My 4 year old is very reserved, which makes is very hard to change instructor for new semester. Kaley stepped in for the beginning 2, 3 classes, comforted her and helped her to gain confident, get her used to new instructor. Darcy is super friendly, pays attention to our needs. The list can go on and on...we are very happy with Emler 183 location. read more

I think teachers are really good and friendly... my toddler learned a lot of techniques and I think it's really great swim school for kids.

My daughter , just finished her third lesson with Mr. Alyx and I am still amazed at how quickly he gained her trust! He has truly found his calling by working with young children! Each lesson I observed him going above and beyond to make sure each child has a smile on their face and is feeling safe and secure. He not only makes the children feel welcomed but greets me by name each time with a smile and contagious positive attitude! The front desk/office staff make a wonderful first impression as well! They are all so professional. knowledgeable and eager to help in any way possible. We LOVE Emler and I will be recommending it to everyone I know ! * read more

Emler is great for all ages! I started my kids at Emler when they were 2,3, and 4 years old and they earn 5 stars in customer service and also in quality swim lessons. The front desk has been overly accommodating to us, trying to find lessons and class times that work for us, even editing their schedule to help us find a time to swim. I love the method and the progression of how Emler teaches all four swim strokes. They make it feel safe and fun for the younger ones who are just learning to swim, but I also send my 8yr old and 6 yr old to refine their strokes and keep them swimming throughout the year. Thank you Emler! read more

I love Emler! One reason especially is David B! He has been wonderful with my 2 yr old. My son is very apprehensive when it comes to swimming but David B goes out of his way to make him feel comfortable and makes sure that he is having fun. He is great with the little ones. I can't believe how far my son has come since we started. And it's all due to David. The entire staff have always been friendly and helpful. Kudos to this location and it's management team. read more

Very family first focused school. Front desk is very friendly, understanding, and accommodating. Deck manager(s) are very observant and approachable. Teachers are extremely positive and very student focused. They go out of their way to make my kids feel comfortable while building their self confidence in the pool. My youngest is taking longer to adjust to the water and the school goes above and beyond to help get him acclimated. The pool room is hot as balls though, so dress accordingly. read more

I started my daughter here right after she turned 3, in one of the daily programs that lasts 2 weeks. In that time, she has morphed from a clingy, somewhat timid aquatot into a much more relaxed and happy swim student! Clearly the Emler approach is super effective. They have a specific list of goals and milestones and the teachers are so comfortable with us hovering parents. The skills updates at the end of each lesson are extremely helpful. Our daughter's first teacher, Daniel, made it look easy, but he is truly gifted. She has a new teacher now, but it's clear the expectation is that not only can all children swim, they can swim well. I think the kids somehow pick up on that, and they respond to that expectation and the positive atmosphere established by the teachers at every lesson. Especially for the young ones, the Emler approach uses songs and games to make successive challenges fun; skills and muscle memory are developed and expertly adjusted by the teachers, so that kids experience success every lesson. Our daughter was so clingy at first and her teacher Daniel just rolled with it. There are other benefits too - our daughter is learning to take direction, take turns, and be happy for her fellow student's efforts and successes. And she looks forward to her swim lessons so much. Another wonderful thing about Emler is the staff support. Deck managers are on hand and jump in to support lessons and teachers at any time. read more